BCT Modernization Plan The BCT Modernization Plan is informed by the comprehensive lessons learned from more than eight years of war, focuses on the evolving needs of our warfighters in a rapidly changing security environ- ment, and exploits the knowledge and technologies developed under the Future Combat Systems program. Instead of mak- ing one modernization decision and then applying it across the Army over two or more decades as was typically done in the past, the BCT Modernization Plan recog- nizes that modernization decisions must be made incrementally to stay ahead of the demands of the security environment and the needs of our warfighters. The Army’s new plan emphasizes the role of battle- tested soldiers in the development of new equipment, provides for the incremental delivery of the network, incorporates mine resistant ambush protected (MRAP) vehi- cles into formations, accelerates the field- ing of capability packages across all BCTs, and initiates a new ground combat vehicle program as an element of a holistic plan for all combat vehicles. The Army’s BCT Modernization Plan is closely linked with the Army force genera- tion model (ARFORGEN), which continu- ously supplies warfighters within both the active and reserve components. ARFOR- GEN-based equipping is the main effort by which the Army manages equipment based on defined equipping goals linked to each phase (reset, train-ready, available) of the ARFORGEN cycle. Equipping resources are ARMY BRIGADE COMBAT allotted to units to meet their mission dur- TEAM MODERNIZATION ing each stage of this cycle. This strategy al- lows the Army to build a versatile mix of The Army brigade combat team (BCT) tailorable and networked organizations, modernization strategy will build a versa- operating on a rotational cycle, to provide a tile mix of mobile, networked BCTs that sustained flow of trained and ready forces will leverage mobility, protection, informa- for full spectrum operations and to hedge tion and precision fires to conduct effective against unexpected contingencies at a sus- operations across the spectrum of conflict. tainable tempo for the all-volunteer force. 380 ARMY I October 2010 Capability packages are a key element fantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored product to the warfighter. Soldier-in-the- of the Army’s BCT modernization strategy, Division, for initial operational test and loop participation in the development re- and they provide the Army a regular evaluation in 2011. Other capabilities in CP duces the risks associated with developing process to strengthen units with the latest 11-12 include: human terrain teams (at bat- new systems and focuses the collective ef- materiel and nonmaterial solutions to talion level), advanced precision mortar fort on providing new capabilities that per- meet the evolving challenges of the operat- rounds and the ground soldier system form as intended from the outset. ing environment. This allows the Army to (GSS). Capability packages are aligned get the capabilities in highest demand to with the Army’s ARFORGEN cycle; they Increment 1, Capability Package 11- the soldiers who need them, when they are adaptive and will be delivered to units 12 (CP 11-12) need them most. Accelerating proven solu- preparing for deployment. The current modernization strategy will tions, these packages will upgrade units A critical practice of the BCT moderniza- deliver CP 11-12 to nine Infantry brigade every few years. These bundles of capabil- tion strategy is the continued use of soldier combat teams (IBCTs) starting in 2011. Re- ities include doctrine, organization and feedback on emerging capabilities. The maining BCTs will receive incremental re- training in conjunction with materiel to fill Army Evaluation Task Force (AETF)—a lease of upgraded capabilities. Army force the highest priority shortfalls and mitigate brigade-size unit created in 2006 at Fort generation (ARFORGEN) will determine if risk for soldiers. The incremental deliver- Bliss—provides immediate feedback dur- and when these IBCTs will be upgraded to ies will build upon one another as the ing the testing and evaluation of new tech- a post-Early IBCT (E-IBCT) configuration Army continually adapts and modernizes. nologies, organization and training initia- based upon warfighting requirements. The Army has solidified contents of the tives. These battle-tested soldiers are not Numerous operational needs state- first capability package (CP 11-12) and is in shy about telling Army combat developers ments (ONS) from theater reflect IBCT re- finalizing stages of the next capability and industry designers what works and quirements for additional robotic capabil- package (CP 13-14). what doesn’t. Constant feedback from sol- ity for air and ground, more responsive Testing and evaluation of materiel solu- diers—operating in units as they would on precision fires at lower levels, and better tions that make up the first capability pack- the battlefield—is vital to ensuring that situational awareness (SA) and situational ages are ongoing at Fort Bliss, Texas, and new systems meet operational needs. understanding (SU) of friendly and enemy other Army test and evaluation locations This process informs the development locations in complex terrain, like urban en- and laboratories. Increment 1 Early In- and integration of enhanced capability vironments. IBCTs are the most often de- fantry brigade combat team equipment packages as well as tactics, techniques, and ployed and most vulnerable formations, and network, a portion of CP 11-12, is in fi- procedures for the current and future force. thereby warranting the increased demand nal evaluation by soldiers of the Army Combat-experienced soldiers at AETF test in lower-level unit intelligence, surveil- Evaluation Task Force at Fort Bliss. Incre- emerging systems to failure and provide lance and reconnaissance (ISR). The Incre- ment 1 has also entered low-rate initial pro- instant feedback to product manufacturers, ment 1 program provides the Army the duction and will be fielded to the 3rd In- which helps drive the delivery of a better opportunity to field high-demand, techno- Help AUSA continue to be the Voice for America’s Army he Institute of Land Warfare (ILW), the educational arm of AUSA, publishes papers and Torchbearers that educate the Administration, Torchbearer Congress and the general public on issues directly affecting National Security Report T America’s Army and our Soldiers. The printing of these papers costs money and ILW, as a non-profi t, must depend on contributions. Help ILW continue to ensure that America has the strongest Army possible and that our Soldiers are taken care of. For more information, please contact Millie Hurlbut at 703-907-2679 or [email protected]. An AUSA Torchbearer Issue October 2009 October 2010 I ARMY 381 logically advanced capabilities to opera- tions with other vehicles and soldiers. cle, a control device and ground support tional forces that address many of the needs Soldiers will be able to communicate equipment, is less than 51 pounds and is discussed above. with the battalion tactical operation center backpackable in two custom modular light- Increment 1 provides enhanced war- (TOC) by sending reports on enemy sight- weight load-carrying equipment (MOLLE)- fighter capabilities in two primary areas. ing, activity and location, utilizing the NIK type carriers. First, it provides enhanced situational via the network, allowing for split-time The air vehicle operates in open, rolling, awareness, force protection, and lethality tactical decisions. complex and urban terrains with a vertical through the use of unattended and attended takeoff and landing capability. It is interop- sensors and munitions. Second, it provides XM1216 Small Unmanned Ground erable with select ground and air platforms a communications network backbone for E- Vehicle (SUGV) and controlled by mounted or dismounted IBCT and battalion command networks. The XM1216 small unmanned ground soldiers. The Class I uses autonomous flight The E-IBCT Increment 1 will consist of vehicle (SUGV) is a lightweight, soldier- and navigation, but it will interact with the the following systems: the urban and tacti- portable unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) network and soldier to dynamically up- cal unattended ground sensors (U/T UGS), capable of conducting military operations date routes and target information. It pro- Class 1 (Block 0) unmanned aerial vehicle in urban terrain, tunnels, sewers and caves. vides dedicated reconnaissance support (UAV) and small unmanned ground vehi- The SUGV aids in the performance of ur- and early warning to the smallest echelons cle (SUGV) Block 1. The Early IBCT systems ban intelligence, surveillance and recon- of the brigade combat team in environments will be fully integrated and networked naissance (ISR) missions, chemical/toxic not suited to larger assets. through a network integration kit (NIK), industrial chemicals (TIC) and toxic indus- The Class I system provides a hover-and- enabling data sharing and command-and- trial materials (TIM) reconnaissance. stare capability that is not currently avail- control (C2) of systems. All E-IBCT systems Working to minimize soldiers’ direct ex- able in the Army UAS inventory for urban are currently under evaluation and testing posure to hazards, the SUGV’s modular and route surveillance. The Class I system by the soldiers of the AETF. design allows multiple payloads to be inte- also fills known gaps that exist in force op- grated in a plug-and-play fashion. Weigh- erations, such as: force protection in coun- The Network ing less than 30 pounds, it is capable of car- terinsurgency (COIN) operations, soldier The Army will continue development rying up to 6 pounds of payload weight. protection in COIN environment, ability to and fielding of an incremental ground tac- The SUGV is part of Early IBCT fielding conduct joint urban operations, enhanced tical network capability to all Army BCTs. and is in current evaluation by the Army ISR/RSTA capabilities and hover-and-stare This network is a layered system of inter- Evaluation Task Force.